Car-sharing company GoGet taken for a ride in $80k fuel scam

CAR-sharing company GoGet forced to upgrade its security system after thieves freeload off petrol cards.

gas

INNER city car-sharing scheme GoGet has been forced to upgrade its fuel card security system after it was systematically targeted in an $80,000 petrol scam.

GoGet co-founder Bruce Jeffreys told news.com.au the company’s fleet had been targeted by “a gang of fraudsters” who broke into the vehicles, stole the cards and used them to buy petrol at a number of Sydney service stations.

Mr Jeffreys uncovered the fraud after noticing irregularities on the billing system.

GoGet members do not have to pay for petrol or maintenance after collecting a car from designated streets spots around the city, but are required to top up the tanks using cards stored in the glove boxes.

As police hunt the thieves – believed to have connections with outlaw bikie gangs – Mr Jeffreys warned small businesses to double-check their fuel card costs.

While there is no evidence this fraud has been taking place outside Sydney, the company has switched from Motorpass to Caltex in its 600-strong fleet, a card provider Mr Jeffreys said has “bullet-proof” online-based security features.

“We’ve introduced extra security features to our fuel cards that offer a very high level of protection”, he said.

“It’s got a number of features, including the ability to authenticate the user at the service station.”

Newtown police have asked anyone with information to contact the station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.